Smith began volunteering with the blood drive in Waverly decades ago, but she has lost track of how long she’s served as coordinator.

“A woman from my auxiliary unit, Anna Hohag, had been coordinating it previously,” Smith said. “One day, she came over and said it was my turn.”

This year, Smith decided it was time to pass her role to the next person in line  her Goddaughter, Carol Tutenhagen.

Tutenhagen, who grew up in Waverly and now lives in Howard Lake, has helped with the blood drive for the past few years.

“I think it’s a really good thing to be involved in,” she said. “It helps a lot of people.”

Waverly and Montrose work together to host two blood drives each year.

“It’s a community effort,” Smith said, listing several organizations that supply food, volunteers, and other supplies. As coordinator, part of Smith’s job was finding people to help, and getting everyone organized.

“Of course, the donors are the most important,” she added. “Without them, we wouldn’t be doing this.”

Smith said they ideally like to get at least 100 donors for each drive, but it’s sometimes tough to make that goal. For the July 18 drive at St. Mary’s Fellowship Hall in Waverly, the official goal was 92 units, and they ended up with 81. Seven potential donors were deferred. Common reasons for deferrals include low hemoglobin, cold or flu symptoms, and certain travel or medical conditions.

“Summer is sort of tough, with people on vacation,” Tutenhagen said.

According to the American Red Cross, all types of blood are needed, especially A-, B-, and O-.

Donors should be in good health, at least 17 years old (or 16 with parental consent), and weigh at least 110 pounds.